Combined index and reference-indicator.



Nb. 682,275. I Ratented Sept. 10, 190:.

' w. n. RATHVON.

COMBINED INDEX AND REFERENCE INDICATOR.

(Application filed June 28, 1900.)

(No Model.)

m: unams PETERS co, wa-ro-umo. WASKINGTON, o. c,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM R. RATHVON, OF FLORENCE, COLORADO.

COMBINED INDEX AND REFERENCE-INDICATOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0.. 682,27 5, dated. September 10, 1901. Application filed June 28,1900- Serial No. 21,910. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, WILLIAM R. RnrHvoN, of the cityof Florence, Fremont county, State of Colorado, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in a Combined Index and Reference-Indicator, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, forming a part hereof.

This invention relates to a combined index and referenceindicator; and it consists of the novel construction hereinafter shown, described, and claimed.

The figure is a view of an open book, showing one of a series of loose insertions or sheets constituting my index and reference-indicator in position therein and also showing the relative position of the tabs carried by the different sheets.

As shown in the drawing, myinvention consists of a series of loose insertions, preferably in the form of sheets or leaves a, of suitable sizes and usually rectangular in form, thereby conforming in general shape to the books in which they are adapted for use. These loose insertions in the book shown are arranged in sequential order and extend from one to twentyfour, each of which is to be used for a specific reference in sequence. Each sheet is provided with a number of horizontal rulings b, which on each series of sheets correspond in number to the number of lines on a page of the book, for which the index and indicator is constructed to be used. These lines are divided in the middle and are joined vertically by lines 0, thereby forming a vertical column d in the middle of each sheet. In this vertical column are printed consecutively the number of each line counting downwardly from the top, which in all cases is the first line, and in alinement with which is printed the numeral 1. The arrangement of both sides of each sheet is the same, thereby making both sides equally useful.

As hereinbefore mentioned, the invention comprises a number of loose insertions or sheets for sequential reference, and to preserve the correct order of the sheets I arrange tabs e, one of which is carried by each of the sheets, that on the first sheet of the series being near the upper edge thereof and. projecting a suitable distance to enable the user to more readily find the marker when the book is closed. The second tab, which is carried by the second sheet, is a slight distance lower, the upper edge thereof being approximately in alinement with the lower edge of the first tab. The third tab is arranged in like manner relative to the second, the fourth in similar position relative to the third, and so on throughout the series. Uponeach tab is printed its number, counting from the first, thereby enabling the user to turn with facility to any specific reference of the series. The sheets being separate and by preference in no way secured to the book can be removed when desired and transferred to another place in the book or to a separate book. It will thus be seen that there are blank spaces between the parallel lines b b, Whereon the person using the device may write temporarily with pencil or other instrument the chapter, page, line, or verse to which he desires to refer, and as there are numerous lines and blank spaces it will be seen that there will be room for many references before it becomes necessary to erase any of those previously written.

By use of an index and indicator constructed as described any specific reference-page in a book can be turned to again with comparatively no effort and with little loss of time. The numbered horizontal lines corresponding to the printed lines of the book enable the user to find and begin reading at the first line of the reference without the necessity of counting down from the top or reading more or less irrelevant matter. For instance, supposing that the reader desires to begin reading at line 6 on the page opposite the inserted sheet, all he need do would be to follow the line 19 until it reaches the corresponding printed line on the opposite page of the book and begin reading.

As shown, the sheets are slightly smaller than the leaves of the book in which they are constructed to be used, by which arrangement their edges are better protected and insured against injury. The tabs, however, project beyond the edges of the book leaves and have the same characters on both sides, thereby enabling the user to identify any referencesheet in Whatever position it may be seen.

I claim A sequential reference index for typographical lines in books, said index comprising the combination of a series of pieces'of paper or cardboard less in size than the bookleaves, and each having marks numbered consecutively to indicate a sequential line of a specific book-page and each having a numbered part in a position out of alinement with ring identical in construction and markings,

all other like parts of the remaining pieces, and which projects during use beyond the edge of the book, both sides of the device be- 15 substantially as specified.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

WILLIAM R. RATHVON.

Witnesses:

H. N. MOORE, ELLA S. RATHVON. 

